2079 E Fourth St, 216-298-9080. Chef Zack Bruell serves a refined interpretation of rustic Italian comfort food. These are not oversized portions drenched in red sauce and cheese. Dishes are simple in ingredients and style but heavy on flavor and presentation. And like his other Cleveland restaurants, expect a fine dining experience without the white-tablecloth pretentiousness or price tag. H C S $$$

Cowell & Hubbard french

1305 Euclid Ave, 216-479-0555. At his fifth Cleveland restaurant, chef Zack Bruell serves what he calls "cuisine vanguard," his interpretation of modern Parisian cuisine. The 140-seat restaurant, which features a jewelry vault for private dining, takes its name from the store that sold fine jewelry in the space from 1920 until 1981. H T C $$$

The Greenhouse Tavern contemporary

2038 E Fourth St, 216-443-0511. There has been no shortage of well-earned praise for Ohio's first green restaurant and its chef Jonathon Sawyer. The French-influenced restaurant embraces sustainability at every turn from its recycled decor and energy-efficient bathrooms to a relentless focus on local, fresh ingredients. H T P $$$

2058 E Fourth St, 216-621-5652. Located in a historic building in downtown's East Fourth Street neighborhood. Seasonal menu from chef Michael Symon features sustainable cuisine focused on local and natural farms, seafood and meats. H T P $$$$

Mallorca spanish/portuguese

1390 W Ninth St, 216-687-9494. Specializing in Spanish and Portuguese continental cuisine that breaks free of the tired meat and potato dishes. Fresh fish arrive daily and are the stars of most of the 40-plus entrees at this white-tablecloth Warehouse District spot. H T P S $$$$

Muse contemporary/american

1515 W Third St, 216-902-5255. Innovative American cuisine featuring fresh regional and organic ingredients. Works by local artists featured on the walls. Breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon-Sat, Sun brunch. H $$$$

Noodlecat japanese

234 Euclid Ave, 216-589-0007. Jonathon Sawyer's Japanese noodle house features three kinds of noodles. The menu includes traditional noodles, Tokyo noodles and mash-ups, which can all be personalized with extras. H S $$

1425 Euclid Ave, 216-771-3831. Established in 1892, Otto Moser's is Cleveland's oldest restaurant. Located in the heart of PlayhouseSquare, it offers a variety of deli items for lunch and full dinner for pre-theater dining. H T P $$

Pura Vida contemporary

170 Euclid Ave, 216-987-0100. Under the motto "live for today," this latest concept from chef Brandt Evans brings gourmet lunch and dinner to Public Square with house-cured meats, salads, sandwiches and desserts. The 26,000 LED ceiling lights add a pop of color and shifting moods to a contemporary white and gray atmosphere. H P $$

Sans Souci french/mediterranean

Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, 24 Public Square, 216-696-4095. Cuisine reflects the styles of coastal Italy, Spain and Morocco with specialties from Provence in a relaxed, French country atmosphere. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. H T $$$-$$$$

Slyman's Restaurant deli

3106 St Clair Ave, 216-621-3760. A deli-style restaurant famous for its corned beef sandwiches stacked high. Established in 1964 by Joseph Slyman, whose family still operates the place. S $-$$

[ east side ]

Accent asian

11460 Uptown Ave, Cleveland, 216-721-8477. Chef and owner Scott Kim has created an Asian-influenced menu that is healthful and full of flavor. Look for dishes prepared on the innovative high-heat Robata grill or Josper oven. H T P C $$$$

B Spot american

28699 Chagrin Blvd, Woodmere, 216-292-5567. In classic Michael Symon fashion, there's no shortage of meat on the menu of this burger and bratwurst joint. Handmade patties are topped with bacon and bologna, and milkshakes come with a shot of bourbon. Dining is casual and service is quick. H S $-$$

Big Al's Diner american

12600 Larchmere Blvd, Cleveland, 216-791-8550. If you're hungry, get here early. There's guaranteed to be a line out the door at Big Al's, where breakfast is an institution. Classic American diner fare is cooked to order at this no-frills spot where Michael Symon dubbed the corned beef hash, "The best thing I ever ate." H $

2266 Warrensville Center Road, University Heights, 216-371-5643. Serving pizza and Italian dishes for more than 50 years in a comfortable and relaxed family setting. Hand-tossed pizza features great Italian-style pepperoni. H C S $$

Giovanni's italian

25550 Chagrin Blvd, Beachwood, 216-831-8625. This five-star restaurant has been a Cleveland institution for 36 years. A Northern Italian-influenced menu features entrees such as Maryland crab and shrimp cakes, and chilled, marinated sweetwater prawns, plus chops and pasta. H $$$$

3710 Payne Ave, 216-361-2220. The extensive menu from chef and owner Chinnawatt Scott features dishes from all regions of Thailand, including the popular pad thai. While no alcohol is served, guests can bring their own. H $$

3355 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-831-5599. Guests can choose from house-made small, medium or large plates, opting to dine traditionally or in a shared-plate style at this progressive American bistro. The style is industrial contemporary with colorful nouveau murals and chrome accents. Food and wine tastings and events are the norm here with wine dinners the third Thu of the month. H T P C $$$-$$$$

Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, 216-707-2600. Chef Doug Katz brings a global menu using locally sourced ingredients to one of the country's best art museums. Special prix fixe menus will be inspired by special exhibitions. H T C $$

3099 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-0477. Taking over the second-floor space in the Heights Rockefeller building, chef Jill Vedaa presents a seasonal American menu with Latin-Asian flair. Divided into a lounge and restaurant, the space mirrors the hall of a medieval castle, making Rockefeller's an architecturally interesting place to dine. H T $$-$$$

13120 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-767-1111. Features izakaya (Japanese-style tapas) in small, medium and large portions, as well as sushi and a 60-sake list selected by chef and owner Scott Kim. The decor is minimalist, accented only in shades of black, white and red. An open kitchen allows diners a great view of food preparation. H T P C $$

Sergio's Sarava brazilian

13225 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-295-1200. Sarava evokes the rhythm, sophistication and energy of Brazilian street life. In addition to entrees, the menu features an array of small plates that encourage diners to discover new flavors in a fun, relaxing environment. Full bar, happy hour 5-6:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. H T P C $$$

2203 Cornell Road, Cleveland, 216-791-6500. Adding American flavor to the Little Italy neighborhood, this restaurant serves up familiar comforts made with local cheeses, produce and meats. The brownstone mansion, once home to the Baricelli Inn, has been remodeled to offer a more casual feel with a stonework bar and booth seating. H T P $$$

555 Main St, Vermilion, 440-967-6073. Beef Wellington and grilled salmon are popular entrees at this French restaurant featuring the upscale bar Touché and the Parisian Room for private dining. T P S $$$$

Crop Bistro & Bar contemporary

2537 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, 216-696-2767. Chef Steve Schimoler is back with his innovative American cuisine that changes with each season. The new location in the United Bank Building has twice the space as the former Warehouse District locale, offering room for a bigger bar and a large chef's table. H T C $$$$

Dante contemporary

2247 Professor Ave, Cleveland, 216-274-1200. Chef Dante Boccuzzi reinvents his namesake restaurant in Tremont, offering the same modern American cuisine in the former Third Federal Bank building. Diners can sit in the vault or reserve the chef's table in the kitchen for an up-close experience. T P $$-$$$

Deagan's Kitchen & Bar gastropub

14810 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-767-5775. Far beyond the realm of pub grub (though you can get that here, too), this casual spot offers house favorites such as chicken and waffles, bacon, pea and Gruyere macaroni and cheese, and shrimp tacos. Wash it down with vintage cocktails or one of 28 beers on tap. Once TV-filled walls have been replaced by brick and reclaimed wood that give Deagan's a rustic feel. H S $$

2061 W 10th St, Cleveland, 216-579-0200. Many of the seasonal ingredients on chef Ricardo Sandoval's menu come from a nearby urban garden. It's fitting for the house-turned-funky-eatery, hailed by Bon Appétit as one of the country's best neighborhood restaurants. The Fat Monday special features any appetizer, entree and dessert combo for $25. Full bar. Sat brunch 11 a.m.-4 p.m. P $$$

2247 Professor Ave, Cleveland, 216-274-1202. Dante Boccuzzi adds modern flair to traditional Japanese dining in the basement of his namesake restaurant, Dante. Fish is flown in for the menu that includes a sushi bar, appetizers, desserts, shabu shabu and daily specials. The bar offers sake and sake cocktails. $$$$

Happy Dog american

5801 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-651-9474. As the name suggests, the only things on the menu here are $5, quarter-pound, all-beef hot dogs and vegan hot dogs. But with 50 toppings to choose from at no additional cost, the choices are anything but limited. The Underdog area below also serves a limited number of burgers on Thu nights. H S $

The Harp irish

4408 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-939-0200. A casual, Irish-designed pub with a fun, homey atmosphere. The large, brick patio offers beautiful views of Lake Erie. All desserts and bread are house-made, including the Guinness ice cream brownie sundae, which goes well with the house-blended Irish coffee or one of a dozen beers on tap. H P $$

Heck's Cafe american

2927 Bridge Ave, Cleveland, 216-861-5464. Entrees at this Ohio City restaurant include chicken, beef, pasta, fresh seafood and some of the best hamburgers in Cleveland. Complete your meal with desserts and coffee. H P $$$

2801 Bridge Ave, Cleveland, 216-771-7130. A progressive American menu of small plates, pizzas, burgers, paninis and full entrees from ostrich to salmon. Seasonal dishes are crafted by chef Matthew Mathlage. The newly expanded dining room offers the air of fine dining but with an urban feel from brick exposed walls and contemporary art. Also features a retail wine shop with about 150 varieties. H T P C S $$$-$$$$

2221 Professor Ave, Cleveland, 216-566-9463. As the first restaurant in the city to serve wine on tap, the Tremont spot offers eight varieties, along with a huge list of wines by the glass and bottle. Chef Rachel Spieth's menu is full of small plates, soups and salads, flatbreads and entrees such as grilled arctic char served alongside butternut squash puree with braised celery root and hazelnut butter. H T P $$$

1889 W 25th St, Cleveland, 216-298-9090. Former Tartine chef Nolan Konkoski has a contemporary, healthier take on Southern cooking. The bar serves four to six beers on tap with a focus on microbrews as well as plays on classic Southern cocktails, such as a mint julep made with peach nectar and tea-infused vodkas. H T P $$-$$$

2207 W 11th St, Cleveland, 216-937-2288. The eclectic menu features small plates such as lobster and crab fritters, and almond-fried brie and entrees such as pan-seared scallops and chicken waffles. Enjoy drinks on the indoor/outdoor 1,000-square-foot patio. Happy hour daily. Bands and acoustic performers most Sat nights and Sun brunch. H P $$-$$$

Spice Kitchen & Bar american

5800 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, 216-961-9641. Chef and owner Ben Bebenroth's menu emphasizes local ingredients in dishes such as an andouille burger. Vegans and vegetarians will always have options on the seasonal menu. Art decorates the walls and changes with the seasons as well. The space feels natural and urban with brick and exposed ductwork details. In keeping with the local, seasonal and sustainable focus, the restaurant includes an outdoor garden. H P C $$$

8960 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, 330-486-2583. In a rustic building reminiscent of the lodges found in our national parks, chef Brandt Evans has prepared a creative American menu. Look for dishes such as butternut squash ravioli and cast iron chicken. Sun brunch. H T P S $$$$

DBA italian

21 Furnance St, Akron, 330-375-5050. Chef Dante Boccuzzi has opened his latest restaurant in the former VegiTerranean space in downtown Akron. The restaurant showcases an elegant dining space, private dining room and a spacious patio. The menu here is similar to his Tremont restaurant, Dante, but with a more modern feel. H P T $$$

The D.C. Pasta Co. italian

12214 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-238-8500. Chef Dante Boccuzzi draws from his experience working in Italy for this casual restaurant that focuses on house-made pastas available in three sizes, offering something for every appetite and budget. The drink menu includes 30 wines under $30 and Italian beers. H T $$

13664 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-572-1111. This 19th-century manor house restaurant is notable for its fresh seafood and steak. Dine in either the casual pub or more upscale dining room. H P C $$$-$$$$

Downtown 140 contemporary

140 N Main St, Hudson, 330-655-2940. The menu of this intimate basement restaurant is set up to please all appetites. From small bites to share plates to entrees, dishes carry French and Mediterranean accents and change with each season. An open kitchen with counter seating allows diners to watch as meals are prepared. A large wine list includes glass pours and retail sales. T C $$$-$$$$

Flip Side burgers

49 Village Way, Hudson, 330-655-3547. Burgers are the focus at Shawn Monday's casual eatery where patties are made only from Ohio-raised and grass-fed beef. The spot also serves mini kobe beef corn dogs, tempura asparagus, house-made potato chips, and a variety of salads and sandwiches. Try the apple pie shake or one of the other inventive varieties, which can be kicked up a notch with a shot of Kentucky bourbon. H C $

49 Village Way, Hudson, 330-342-3667. Stepping out of the realm of white tablecloths, chef Shawn Monday's venture is a casual, comfort-food tavern in downtown Hudson. Eat in a variety of sizes here, from bite-sized portions and share plates to entrees and flatbreads. The food has a rustic appeal that matches the wood and brick decor. Pull up a seat and watch as flatbreads are pulled from a traditional pizza oven. H T P C $$$

Shinto Japanese

Steakhouse & Sushi Bar japanese

17070 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-878-3868. Innovative sushi and exquisite hibachi Japanese cuisine served in a beautiful atmosphere. Newly renovated sushi bar in the middle of the dining room is designed to give diners full interaction with chefs. Full bar. Open for lunch Mon-Sat and dinner seven days a week. H T P S $$$-$$$$